BARIATRICS

About

I am a medical doctor and Specialist in Endocrinology & Metabolism, caring for patients with diabetes, thyroid, other hormone, and weight management issues. After completing my training as an Endocrinologist in 2005 at the University of Calgary, I have had busy clinical practices in both Calgary, Alberta, and at the Royal University Hospital at the University of Saskatchewan. I spent a year on a research sabbatical at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, intensifying my interest and passion for the study and management of obesity. I'm involved in research in several areas, from lifestyle change, to innovative new ways to treat diabetes, to gastric bypass surgery.
I am passionate, enthusiastic, and driven to help conquer the stigma against obesity; educate health care professionals and the public about obesity, diabetes, and healthy living; and to help us become a healthier society!

>> Wednesday, April 15, 2009

One of my overweight patients recently asked me if it mattered whether she used up the last 250 calories of her day by eating 250 calories’ worth of M&Ms versus chicken breast.

The short answer to this question is that in basic terms, it doesn’t matter a whole lot where the calories come from. A calorie is simply a unit of energy (defined: the amount of energy required to raise 1L of water by 1 degree C). Whether she eats 250 cal of M&Ms or chicken breast, the key to successful weight loss is about having that 500 cal deficit per day, which will result in 1lb of weight loss per week.

The long answer is: No... BUT:

1. You are more likely to feel full from eating 250 cal of chicken (= about 1 medium chicken breast), compared to 250 cal of M&Ms (=55 plain Ms). If you feel full, then you are less likely to go over your limit and consume MORE calories later in the day, or the next day. This is because protein (chicken) is more satiating than carbs (M's are composed of carbs (sugar) and some fat).

2. There is slightly more energy burned in the digestion of protein than in the digestion of the simple sugars in the M’s, but this effect is probably not as important as #1 above.

In the big picture, I always advocate for making healthy food choices and eating a balanced diet... but it is sometimes better in the long run to allow yourself the treat, so you can remain dedicated and stay true to your Calorie Prescription!

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A HEARTFELT WELCOME!

I am excited that you have arrived at my site, and I hope you are too - consider this the first step towards a Healthier New You!! As a medical doctor, Endocrinologist, and obesity specialist, I am absolutely passionate about helping people with weight management. Though there is certainly no magic cure for obesity, there IS a successful treatment plan out there for you - it is all about understanding the elements that contribute to your personal weight struggle, and then finding the treatment plan that suits your needs and your lifestyle. The way to finding your personal solution is to learn as much as you can about obesity: how our toxic environment has shaped us into an overweight society; the diversity of contributors to obesity; and what the treatment options out there are really all about. Knowledge Is Power!!

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DISCLAIMER

Any medical discussion on this page is intended to be of a general nature only. This page is not designed to give specific medical advice. If you have a medical problem you should consult your own physician for advice specific to your own situation. Postings on this blog represent the personal opinions of Dr. Sue Pedersen. They are not representative of, or endorsed by, Alberta Health Services or C-ENDO Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic. This site is hosted free of charge by Google's Blogger platform and is intended for residents of Canada as well as health professionals.